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Ramadan fasting is one the five pillars of Islam and billions of people practice

intermittent fasting during Ramadan annually, the fasting involves abstinence from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to dusk.

This form of intermittent fasting has significant implications for physiology including changes in rhythm and magnitude of variations in some homeostatic and hormonal function processes, Sleeping patterns and circadian rhythm are frequently changed during Ramadan. There will be mild dehydration during fasting hours which varies according to geographical, seasonal and individual differences. When there is no food intake to be utilized as energy, the adaptive body mechanisms involve using stored carbohydrates in form of glycogen followed by using stored fat as a source of energy.

There is limited scientific data about benefits and harms of fasting during Ramadan, the results of studies are heterogeneous due to variations in individual and community life styles, generally the majority of evidence indicate that at the end of Ramadan there will be loss of 1.2 Kg body weight as average, improvement in lipid profile and slight lowering of blood glucose.

In order to maximize health benefits of Ramadan it is important to follow healthy diet during the fasting month, It is a tradition to increase refined carbohydrate consumption at sunset including sweets and juices which is wrong from healthy diet point of view, the health benefits of this intermittent fasting will be magnified by avoiding excessive energy intake during night to enhance weight loss, maintain healthy stomach and intestines.

Adequate sleeping is essential for human being and the average requirement is 6-8 hours since evidence support that more or less than this amount might increase mortality. Another important issue is to have predawn meal daily and try to take large amount of fluids during night to avoid possibility of dehydration. Regarding persons with chronic diseases, they should follow physician's instructions tightly, accept my wish of (Healthy Ramadan for All).

Dr. Yousif B. Khaty

Ass. Professor. Ph.D. Endocrinology